What should you do when you hear a siren or see a flashing red light coming towards you?

When you hear a siren or see a flashing red light from an emergency vehicle approaching, it is essential to yield the right-of-way to allow the emergency vehicle to pass safely and efficiently. This action is a legal requirement and is crucial for public safety. Emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars, are responding to critical situations where every second counts. By yielding, you help facilitate their response and reduce the risk of accidents or delays.

Yielding the right-of-way typically involves moving to the side of the road and coming to a complete stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. This ensures that the emergency personnel can maneuver through traffic without obstructions, which may be life-saving.

In contrast, speeding up or stopping abruptly can create additional hazards, as it may confuse drivers around you or lead to accidents. Quick lane changes without proper signaling can also pose risks to other vehicles. Therefore, the most responsible and safest action is to yield to the emergency vehicle.